WASHINGTON, D.C. (WDTV) – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced the names of the two West Virginia students who will serve as delegates to the 55th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C. Joseph Marshal Touma of Huntington and Antonella Carmen Blanco of Union were selected to attend the program’s Washington Week on March 4-11 with more than 100 other student delegates.

“Through exceptionally hard work and leadership in their schools and communities, Antonella Blanco and Joseph Touma have earned this honor. These two outstanding students make West Virginia very proud as they represent our state among the nation’s top performing students. I look forward to welcoming them to Washington, and I offer my congratulations on being selected for this prestigious program,” said Senator Capito.

“I am proud to congratulate Antonella Blanco and Joseph Touma on being selected as West Virginia’s delegates in the U.S. Senate Youth Program this year,” Senator Manchin said. “Antonella and Joseph are accomplished young leaders in both their schools and communities and have proven their commitment to learning and participating in our great democratic system of government. The Senate Youth Program is an invaluable opportunity for our brightest students to get a firsthand perspective on the role of federal government and to explore a future in public service. I hope Antonella, Joseph, and all of the students selected for this prestigious program get the most out of their experience, and I look forward to meeting with them when they come to Washington, D.C. in March.”

During the 55th annual Washington Week, the students will meet with Senators Capito and Manchin. They will also attend meetings and briefings with the president, congressional members and staff, a Justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an ambassador to the United States and senior members of the media, and tour many of the national monuments and museums.

The Hearst Foundations also provides each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. The intensive week-long educational experience and scholarship is fully funded by the Hearst Foundations.

The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s delegates were designated by Dr. Michael J. Martirano, West Virginia’s Superintendent of Schools. Student bios are included below.

Joseph Touma attends Huntington High School in Huntington and serves as a student council representative. Additionally, Joseph is president of the Young Republicans at Huntington High School and a cabinet member of the school's student government. He is also an Eagle Scout and the co-founder of Bridge the Divide, a nonpartisan organization that seeks to promote political tolerance and understanding among youth. He is currently an intern in the office of U.S. Congressman Evan Jenkins. After a college career focused on political science or international relations, followed by a law degree, Joseph is considering the foreign service or public office at the local, state or national level.

Antonella Blanco attends James Monroe High School in Union and serves as a student council representative. Antonella is also youth secretary of state for the governor's cabinet as part of the Youth Leadership Association (YLA), and is the president of the General Assembly of the YLA's Model United Nations. She is a permanent member and volunteer for both the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. In addition, she is a firefighter for the Union Volunteer Fire Department and serves as the executive officer for her JROTC battalion. Antonella volunteered with voter registration efforts in her senior class, captains her cross country team, and meets with her congressman and local representatives to advocate for legislation she supports.

Chosen as alternates to the 2017 program were Emily Fisher from Morgantown High School and Keaton Cooper from Elkins High School.